Best Daypacks · #2
Talon 22
Osprey
Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
The benchmark for fast, sweaty miles. AirScape back panel and a hipbelt that actually transfers weight on a small pack.
Pros
- Exceptional ventilation from AirScape back panel
- Stable and comfortable carry for active movement
- Durable recycled nylon construction
- External hydration sleeve for easy refills
- Effective compression straps for varied loads
Cons
- Not the lightest option in its capacity class
- Hipbelt pockets can feel a bit small for larger phones
- U-zip access not as wide as a full panel zip
Best uses
- Day hiking
- Trail running
- Fast packing
- Commuting by bike
- Lightweight travel
Specifications
- Capacity
- 22 Liters
- Weight
- Approximately 1 lb 14 oz
- Back Panel
- AirScape (breathable foam)
- Hipbelt
- Integrated BioStretch
- Material
- Recycled Robic Nylon
- Hydration
- External Sleeve
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Day hiking, Trail running, Fast packing, Commuting by bike, Lightweight travel
Where to buy the Talon 22
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Osprey Talon 22 has long been a go-to for hikers and fast-packers who prioritize a stable, breathable carry. It’s not the lightest pack in its class, nor the most feature-rich for niche activities, but it hits a sweet spot for general trail use where comfort and ventilation are paramount. Osprey’s AirScape back panel, with its ridged foam and mesh cover, truly excels at keeping air flowing, which makes a noticeable difference on strenuous climbs or in hot weather. It's a pack that disappears on your back, allowing you to focus on the trail rather than your gear. While marketed for a variety of activities, the Talon 22 shines brightest on day hikes, trail runs, and even some lightweight overnight adventures if you’re a minimalist. The U-zip main compartment is practical, offering good access without having to dig through everything. The side pockets are well-placed for water bottles, and the hipbelt pockets are surprisingly useful for snacks or a phone. This pack doesn't try to be everything to everyone, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. It’s a workhorse that consistently performs.
Construction and Materials
Osprey builds the Talon 22 from recycled Robic nylon, a material known for its robust durability and resistance to tears and abrasions. This isn’t a pack you need to baby; it stands up to scrapes against rocks and branches without complaint. The zippers are YKK, which are consistently reliable, and all stitching is reinforced where it matters. The internal frame is a light perimeter wire that provides just enough structure to prevent the pack from collapsing on itself while remaining flexible. It’s a thoughtful blend of lightweight design with practical toughness, ensuring it will withstand years of regular abuse on the trail.
Real-World Performance
On the trail, the Talon 22 truly earns its reputation. The AirScape back panel and continuous wrap hipbelt work in tandem to distribute weight effectively and keep the pack stable, even during dynamic movements like scrambling or trail running. We loaded it with essentials for a full day – water, food, extra layers, first-aid – and it remained comfortable. The external hydration sleeve is a game-changer; refilling a reservoir without unpacking the main compartment is a small detail that makes a big difference. It's designed for efficiency and comfort, and it delivers on both fronts.
Weight and Packability
Weighing in just under two pounds, the Talon 22 strikes a good balance between features and weight. While not ultralight, it feels incredibly light on the back due to its superior weight distribution system. For a 22-liter pack, it compresses well when not fully loaded, thanks to its effective compression straps. It's small enough to fit into overhead bins on planes as a personal item, making it versatile for travel as well. It’s a pack that packs smart, allowing you to carry what you need without feeling burdened.
Durability and Longevity
Osprey’s reputation for durability is well-deserved, and the Talon 22 is a prime example. The recycled Robic nylon, while helping with sustainability, doesn't compromise on toughness. We've seen these packs endure years of hard use with minimal wear and tear beyond superficial scuffs. The buckles, straps, and zippers are all of high quality and hold up to repeated adjustments and tension. This isn't a disposable piece of gear; it’s an investment that will serve you faithfully for many seasons, easily outlasting many lighter, less robust alternatives.
Comparables and Value
At its price point, the Talon 22 competes with packs like the Deuter Speed Lite and the Gregory Zulu 20. While those are also excellent packs, the Talon often distinguishes itself with its superior back panel ventilation and dynamic fit. You're paying for Osprey's well-engineered suspension system and a proven track record of comfort and reliability. It's not the cheapest daypack, but the value comes from its sustained performance and durability, which means you won't be replacing it anytime soon. It’s a solid investment for serious hikers and active outdoor enthusiasts.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best daypacks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Talon 22 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Talon 22 worth it?
- We rank it #2 in Best Daypacks. The benchmark for fast, sweaty miles. AirScape back panel and a hipbelt that actually transfers weight on a small pack.
- What is the Talon 22 best for?
- Best for day hiking, trail running, fast packing and commuting by bike. Standouts: exceptional ventilation from airscape back panel and stable and comfortable carry for active movement.
- What are the downsides of the Talon 22?
- Not the lightest option in its capacity class, Hipbelt pockets can feel a bit small for larger phones and U-zip access not as wide as a full panel zip.
- What are the key specs of the Talon 22?
- Capacity: 22 Liters · Weight: Approximately 1 lb 14 oz · Back Panel: AirScape (breathable foam) · Hipbelt: Integrated BioStretch · Material: Recycled Robic Nylon
- Construction and Materials — what should I know about the Talon 22?
- Osprey builds the Talon 22 from recycled Robic nylon, a material known for its robust durability and resistance to tears and abrasions. This isn’t a pack you need to baby; it stands up to scrapes against rocks and branches without complaint.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Talon 22?
- On the trail, the Talon 22 truly earns its reputation. The AirScape back panel and continuous wrap hipbelt work in tandem to distribute weight effectively and keep the pack stable, even during dynamic movements like scrambling or trail running.
Compare side by side
Put the Talon 22 against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.